LB Derrick Brooks trods the boards in support of Orlando Magic star Tracy McGrady's charitable event
After three intense joint practices with the Miami Dolphins on Saturday and Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a well-earned afternoon off on Sunday at the team hotel.
It was a chance to rest and relax, and most of the Bucs did this by sleeping, playing video games in their rooms or driving back to Tampa for some quiet time with their families. Derrick Brooks, Shaun King, Shelton Quarles and Al Singleton didn't do any of these things, however.
They went bowling.
Maybe it isn't outside the realm of possibility that these four Buccaneers find bowling the most relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Something tells us, however, that this was more than just a trip to the lanes with a few teammates.
That something – or rather, someone - was apparent as soon as the Bucs' foursome entered the bowling alley. Already filling the lanes were the likes of Orlando Magic players Darrell Armstrong, Mike Miller, Troy Hudson, Magic Head Coach Doc Rivers, former NBA superstar Dominique Wilkins, current NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal and former NFL greats Darryl Talley and Thurman Thomas.
A celebrity bowling league of the highest order? Not exactly. The Buccaneer representatives and other NFL and NBA stars were on hand to help support NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady of the Magic at his second annual T-Mac Bowl. The T-Mac Bowl raises money for the Boogy Creek Gang, a summer camp specifically designed for chronically ill children, and the Citrus Center Boys and Girls Clubs.
So it turns out Sunday afternoon was both relaxing and rewarding for Brooks, King, Quarles and Singleton. These Buccaneers were more than happy to support McGrady's efforts and reach out to the people of Orlando.
"It's an opportunity for us to come out and support the community," said King. "Tracy was nice enough to invite us and whenever we can get out in the Orlando community we try to. It's exciting when we can come out here and get to know this community and meet some of the people that were here today."
During the course of the afternoon, Brooks, King, Quarles and Singleton meet their fellow celebrities, reminisced with old friends, signed autographs for participants and even bowled a couple of games.
"It's great to have all these people out here to help support my efforts," said McGrady. "I just want to thank everyone for coming out and let you know that I really appreciate it and so do the kids."
With that said and the Buccaneers foursome finished with their bowling adventure, Singleton summed up the afternoon's adventure.
"It's always a positive when you can come out and support charitable efforts," said the Bucs' newest starting linebacker. "And T-Mac is a good guy, so it's great that we were able to come out and help support his cause."
